I’m a sucker for a good steak. Cooked medium, tender and well seasoned so that I don’t have to put salt on it – one of my favorite treats to eat every once in a while. So, I don’t think I could be a strict vegetarian. However, I have been trying to eat healthier in recent months, and in doing a bit of research, I have read many places that a lot of meat can have a negative impact on a person’s health. As I said, I don’t think I could ever completely give up meat. But then I came across an idea: Meatless Mondays. This is a non-profit initiative of “The Monday Campaigns,” which is associated with the John Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Tuscan Baked Zucchini: This picture really doesn't do it justice.

On their website, www.meatlessmonday.com, they explain how giving up meat for just one day a week can significantly improve a person’s health and can also be beneficial toward our environment. I won’t explain all the reasons (you can read them on their site), but I am constantly looking for different ways to be healthier, so I had to give this a try.

I’m a vegetable lover, so one day of excessive veggies and no meat wasn’t really too hard. Here’s an idea of my meal plan for a Monday:

Breakfast: Two Easy Quiche-Cakes (prepared the Sunday before and reheated), two slices of rye toast with apple butter and a cup (or two) of coffee

It’s that easy. I would add that Tuscan Baked Zucchini is a great item to kick off your Meatless Monday journey because, if you like Italian, it is absolutely delicious! Although a bit more expensive than a typical chicken and side dinner due to some ingredients like artichokes and pine nuts, it is worth it once a week, or even just once a month. The Easy Quiche-Cakes are simple to make, but I whip up a dozen on Sunday night and then have plenty for the following week. Just keep them in the fridge and pop them in the microwave when you’re ready to eat!

Maybe someday I’ll become a vegetarian. For now, I’m happy experimenting with some tasty and nutritious vegetarian recipes once a week. What are some of your favorite vegetarian recipes?

The Rochester's Young Professionals blog is the place to look for the latest updates on the young professionals scene in Rochester, from career advice to networking events.

Contributors

Kate McGowan is a former Rochester television news reporter now working in the non-profit sector for the nation’s leading children’s charity, Make-A-Wish. She is passionate about inspiring young professionals to use their talents in becoming more actively involved in their communities. Follow her on Twitter at @KateMcGowan

Toni Lynn Arena: I am a digital media specialist by day and a fitness loving, animal activist by night. When I'm not working on self-improvement inside and out, I work with other philanthropists to build awareness within the young professional community and help make a difference.

Andrea Raethka earned a bachelor's in History, Sociology and Women's Studies from the College of Brockport. She is a mother of three young children and is always up for exploring new places for kiddie play dates. She enjoys good food, local shopping and keeping up to date on news, politics and public school issues. Find Andrea on Twitter: @Mango1531.

Ashley Dewey is an internet marketing blogger from Victor who shares thoughts about life and pets.

Audrey Burns is a reader, writer and full-time nostalgist who writes about cultural and social issues in Rochester.

Cynthia Pacia shares thoughts about giving and living in the Rochester area.

Eastman Young Professionals share the latest happenings at George Eastman House.

Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals share life and non-profit experiences, and their journey within Rochester’s changing landscape.

Jason Schwingle is a native of Rochester. He shares his thoughts and ideas on bringing young professionals back to Rochester and to downtown.

Jenna Kempie is the Social Media Chair for the Rochester Young Professionals, and is contributing posts on RYP activities and other helpful insights for young professionals in the community. Jenna enjoys getting out and exploring the area, and talking to people about their Rochester experiences, print and technology - on and offline. Follow Jenna on Twitter: @JennaKempie

Jennifer Galvez Caton is an active arts volunteer who shares her passion and perspective on theater, film, dance and music with young professionals in the Rochester area.

Jerome Nathaniel is a 2011 graduate of the University of Rochester, where he was an executive editor for the Campus Times and a service fellow with the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Now, the Brooklyn native has returned to Rochester as an Americorp Vista at Foodlink, where he's serving as a hunger advocate.

Kayleigh Nutting is a non-profit professional that came to Rochester for college and never left. She is a graduate student and works full time planning special events and fundraising. Follow her as she writes about kicking back, giving back and appreciating the Flower City.

Kristine Caronna, a young professional blogger from Greece, shares her thoughts and updates.

Leah Shearer is a young professional and two-time cancer survivor from Rochester. She shares her unique perspective on all things - the serious, the silly and everything in between.

Luticha Doucette is a student researcher, activist and humanist who sees the world from a seated position. She chronicles life as a disable person seeking a PhD. position in biophysics at Yale or John Hopkins universities, and beyond.

Maria Thomas is the chair of RocCity Coalition, who is passionate about education and the needs of city youth. She writes about various opportunities for young professionals to get involved in the community.

Olga Podzorov is an agent with Nothnagle Realtors. She is a community activist and passionate philanthropist who is committed to working with young professionals. She covers a variety of real estate issues.

Ruth Harper-Rhode, a St. Bonaventure University graduate, does public relations for a local nonprofit. She moved to Rochester from a small city in 2011 and lived on Park Ave before moving to Penfield, where she currently resides.

Terra Keller sends updates from the staff at Foodlink, a popular regional food bank.

Stefanie Schwingle is a Rochester native and has worked at Wegmans Corporation for the past 10 years, but her interests lie in entrepreneurship and communication and her passions include urban living, photography, and cooking. Stefanie lives downtown with her husband and loves everyday life in the city.

Taren Greenidge earned her B.A. in Economics and Political Science, cum laude, in 2007 from Spelman College and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2010. She is an associate at Littler Mendelson, P.C, a U.S.-based international law firm exclusively devoted to representing management in every aspect of labor and employment law. Taren is the president of the Black Young Professionals of Rochester, an auxiliary of the Urban League of Rochester, N.Y., Inc., which targets individuals ages 21 through 40 to foster growth and professional development, to empower members to achieve success and to strive to improve the community.